Rebecca Taylor S/S 2012

Shimmering army jackets, floral print dresses, luxurious knit sweater dress, fluid separates, and amazing sexy lace detailed pieces all filled Rebecca Taylor's Spring/ Summer 2012 collection. The juxtaposition of sporty and sexy was clear in every piece, and the marriage of retro silhouette with modern tailoring was simply sensational. Certain pieces came with a 40's nostalgia while others re-live the chic 70's and 80's. Head to toe, accessories and shoes all by the designer work perfectly with each ensemble, the bags and shoes were 'KILLER' and to die for! What I enjoyed most was the effortless 'cool' of the collection, some pieces were simple, loose, and fluid, but with flexes of gold and shimmer it was also a definite eye catcher. I always find that when asymmetrical pieces are done in a fluid silhouette, it's so flattering on every shape and size because it hugs all the right plaes and hide all areas one might feel a bit insecure about- for every woman that's a great key to feeling cool and confident.

Perry Ellis S/S 2012: an American Classic

Perry Ellis S/S 2012 Finale

 Creative Director, John Crocco, stays true to the original vision of Perry Ellis and continues the tradition of great American style. From rich linens to luxurious knit sweaters and color infused cardigans, classic American style was the mood for Perry Ellis Spring / Summer 2012 collection. A definite crowd pleaser, several colorful knits that came down the runway were simply a must have for spring. I seem to be biased and favor a great jacket paired with casual shorts or easy fit linen pants, it embodies what spring and summer brings- great EFFORTLESS style! Having the opportunity to see the collection upclose I can say with certainty that each piece can fit into any man's wardrobe, whether he prefers eye catching color, or muted comfortable pieces. Overall, whether one is in his 20's and jump starting his career, or in his 50's and at the top of his 'game', Perry Ellis is a wonderful addition to any wardrobe and ensemble, pieces that work for daytme leisure or an evening dinner with transitional ease.

Key Looks and (personal favorite) of the Spring / Summer 2012 Collection (photo sets below from Imaxtree.com)

Supima Design Competition S/S 2012

Jusil Carroll winner of Supima Design Competition

Hosted by Rachel Zoe

Hosted by Stylist, Designer, TV persona, and new MOM Rachel Zoe, Supima Design Competition featured 8 talented upcoming designers from 4 different fashion design schools around the nation. Maru Jung and Dara Rosen from Pratt Institute, Rachel Pullman and Connie Weng from Rhode Island School of Design, Marlow Larson and Lorena Cuevas from Savannah College of Art and Design, and Amy Bittner and Jusil Carroll from Fashion Institute of Technology. With judges Kevin Harter, Buxton Midyette, Nicole Miller, Coco Rocha, Charlotte Ronson, and Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, South Korea native Jusil Carroll of FIT was chosen as the winner with her "Blair Witch Project" inspired collection.

Jusil Carroll design (photo Getty Images)

Jusil Carroll design (photo Getty Images)

Jusil Carroll (photo Corbis Images)

Other note worthy designs that I found amazing on the runway!

photo Getty Images

photo Corbis Images

photo Corbis Images

photo Corbis Images

Joy Cioci S/S 2012: Pastels, Fluid, Retro



Joy Cioci Spring/Summer 2012 Collection was a beautiful sea of fluid silhouettes and pastel hues, from canary yellows, heavenly cream, salmon pinks, and cloudy blues- of course with the punch of blacks and crimsons. The collection's retro 60's and 70's pallette lends to the overall feel of nostalgia. Ruffles and scallop detail finishes were successfully married with fluid silhouettes and it really came across elegant and beautiful. This collection is true to what spring defines- light, airy, and soft colors in bloom. My definite favorite of the collection is powdery blue ruffle dress, it's soft and has a feel of understated elegance which sums up the collection in full.



Fatigues to Fabulous S/S 2012: Change Comes from Awareness

Partenering with HSN and DKNY, 6 courageous women military veterans shared their heart wrenching stories of trials and survival, and what they've been through post armed forces duties. The south courtyard at the Mercedes Benz fashion week tents was the sight of this amazing presentation. The crowd listened with a heavy heart as each of the 6 ladies told their stories of struggles from watching friends get killed in action to being raped by a fellow soldier, and when they turned to the country they faithfully served for help, they were simply DISMISSED!
Each lady was lovely in their designer ensemble, from Charlotte Ronson (worn by Jennifer Crane), Kardashian Collection for Sears (Christina Dibble), Carmen Marc Valvo (Ann Marie Faison), Bill Blass (Sarah Franson), Calvin Klein (Serena Hayden), and Donna Karan (Meredith Perry Smith).

(L-R) Jennifer Crane, Sarah Franson, Christina Dibble, Meredith Perry Smith, Serena Hayden, Ann Marie Faison

Along with HSN, DKNY launched a commemorative watch exclusively for the company that can be purchased at HSN.com

I must have been so enamered by the ladies and was so deeply touched by their stories, that I didn't realize that Vanessa Hudgens was literally 3 feet away from where I stood.

Katya Leonovich S/S 2012: Denim with a Twist

Definite favorite look: men's jacket and shorts

Refreshingly innovative in silhouette, structure, and style Katya Leonovich Spring 2012 collection was an explosion of deconstructed denim and almost grafitti like fabrics- street art brought to life. It shows to prove that fashion doesn't have to be so serious and boring, fashion is about expressing our creativity and what makes us unique and different. Let's talk about my favorite look of the collection: the multi colored, football player print jacket paired with white leather shorts. The juxtaposition of colors against a monotone white fabric is like a painting masterpiece against a clean canvas- one is meant to notice the painting and not the canvas. In this case, this blazer is definitely the masterpiece!!